High-frequency episodic migraine: Time for its recognition as a migraine subtype?

Abstract

Background: High-frequency episodic migraine (HFEM) has gained attention in the field of headache research and clinical practice. In this narrative review, we analyzed the available literature to assess the evidence that could help decide whether HFEM may represent a distinct clinical and/or biological entity within the migraine spectrum.

Methods: The output of the literature search included 61 papers that were allocated to one of the following topics: (i) socio-demographic features and burden; (ii) clinical and therapeutic aspects; (iii) pathophysiology; and (iv) classification.

Results: Multiple features differentiate subjects with HFEM from low-frequency episodic migraine and from chronic migraine: education, employment rates, quality of life, disability and psychiatric comorbidities load. Some evidence also suggests that HFEM bears a specific profile of activation of cortical and spinal pain-related pathways, possibly related to maladaptive plasticity.

Conclusions: Subjects with HFEM bear a distinctive clinical and socio-demographic profile within the episodic migraine group, with a higher disease burden and an increased risk of transitioning to chronic migraine. Recognizing HFEM as a distinct entity is an opportunity for the better understanding of migraine and the spectrum of frequency with which it can manifest, as well as for stimulating further research and more adequate public health approaches.